Marcus Antonius Primus

Marcus Antonius Primus (30-81) was a senator and general of the Roman Empire who led Legio VII Galbiana in Pannonia during the early years of the empire. The historian Tacitus described Primus as in peace a bad citizen, but an ally not to be despised during war.

Biography
Marcus Antonius Primus was born in 30 in Tolosa, Gaul, Roman Empire (now the city of Toulouse in southern France). During the reign of Emperor Nero, he served as a senator, but Primus and fellow senator Valerius Fabianus were both expelled from the senate for attempting to forge a will for the emperor. He was reinstated under Galba upon Nero's death, and he was sent to lead Legio VII Galbiana in Pannonia, where he fought against the barbarians on the eastern borders of the empire. During the civil war of 68-69 CE, he decided to support Vespasian against Emperor Vitellius, defeating his forces at Bedriacum in October 69. The same day, he burned Cremona to the ground, and he took Rome after some considerable opposition. Vitellius was captured by Primus' forces and put to death at the Spanish Steps, and Primus died at some point after 81, having helped Vespasian in becoming emperor.